Q&A: Up Close with USA Olympian Liezel Huber
Posted by Paula Vergara on Aug 11, 2008 | Print |
Liezel Huber made a splash on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour back in 1993. Now at 31, this native South African-turned American is arguably one of the best doubles players on the tour, competing alongside doubles partner, Cara Black. This co-world No. 1 has garnered three Grand Slam doubles titles – two from Wimbledon (2005/2007) and one from the Australian Open (2007), not to mention 27 WTA doubles titles overall.
I caught up with Liezel just before the start of the Olympics to talk about her upcoming Olympic debut as an American citizen, her contributions to the Players’ Council, her longevity, as well as her family.
OTB: You recently became a U.S. Citizen in July, 2007. What made you decide to take that leap, and how has it changed your life?
Liezel: I have lived in the U.S. for more than half of my life. I felt more American than South African. That made the decision very easy when I became eligible to apply for my citizenship. I am honored to represent my newly adopted country! I played Fed Cup in April and now Olympics! My kids one day will be fortunate enough to be American too!
OTB: How excited are you to be representing the United States at the Olympic Games in Beijing? Have you partnered with Lindsay Davenport before in doubles?
Liezel: I am sooo excited! I am counting down the days! Lindsay and I have only played World Team Tennis together years back.
OTB: Have you ever competed in the Olympic Games, representing your native South Africa?
Liezel: Yes, I did in 2000 in Sydney.
OTB: Do you have any concerns about the air quality in Beijing?
Liezel: No. I don’t think anything will dampen my spirits or my mood. I am going to be on a high and nothing will get me down!
OTB: It seems like you were a late bloomer on the WTA tour, having won your first doubles Grand Slam in 2005, more than 12 years after turning pro. What was the turning point for you?
Liezel: I think coming from a third world country, you don’t believe in yourself. You don’t believe that you belong. It took some good wins to really start believing. A couple of matches in particular were the turning point.
OTB: You just completed your 8th season with World Team Tennis (7th season with the Delaware Smash). What keeps you coming back?
Liezel: I love Billie Jean King. She has done so much for the game and women in sports. That is what brings me back!
OTB: Regarding your mixed doubles experience, how different is to play alongside Jamie Murray compared to Mike Bryan?
Liezel: I love the Bryan brothers. I would love to play with them. Somehow it just hasn’t worked out. I am still hoping though! Jamie is great! We are completely opposite. Our games work well and hopefully we can win a Slam together.
OTB: Does your husband travel with you?
Liezel: Yes he does. I am so lucky.
OTB: Describe your responsibilities as a member of the Players’ Council.
Liezel: There are 8 players on the Players’ Council. I represent the players in ranking 20 plus. It’s a lot of players! I enjoy it, ‘cause I like to stay busy and it feels like I look out for the players’ best interests!
OTB: I read that you have a twin sister, Monita. Is she a tennis player as well? (It would be fun to see you and your sister play mixed doubles with the Bryan twins!)
Liezel: No, she doesn’t play anymore. She was born with a vascular problem in her left arm. We played together at school and then she had to give it up. We did fight all the time on the court! I told her what to do of course!
For more information about Liezel Huber, please visit her official website at www.blackandhuber.com.
Paula Vergara is an experienced tennis journalist, who has worked as a regular contributor to On the Baseline Tennis News, USTA New England Magazine, and New England Sports Magazine. To view her work, visit her blog at www.paula-vergara.blogspot.com.
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Aaress Lawless | Aug 12, 2008 | Reply
Excellent interview, Paula. Thank you! I knew that Liezel was on the player’s council, but had not heard before that she had a twin sister.
Lindsay and Liezel easily advanced to the next round of doubles with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Poland’s team. The top half of the doubles draw is pretty tough, especially with Kuznetsova/Safina and Stosur/Stubbs.